Chromecast Ultra Vs Chromecast: Which One Should I Buy? | eTrendApps

On the video streaming market today, Chromecast Ultra is one of the cheapest ways to stream HD video contents from your desktop, MacBook, laptop, tablets, and phones to your big TV screen. Chromecast ultra which is one of Google’s Chromecast product categories competes favorably with the likes of Roku and Apple TV. With Chromecast Ultra plugged into your TV, you will have easy access to multiple streaming services from top-notch content service providers such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, HBO Now & HBO Go, AllCast, ESPN+, and Google Play.

The $69 Chromecast Ultra is ideal for those seeking to step into the future of high-resolution content. It not only brings super high pixel count to your streaming box but also offers you 4K Ultra HD shows. Chromecast Ultra supports the two most popular versions of HDR – HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It works with all 4K HDR-ready TVs in a smart and consistent way. One of the greatest benefits of HDR content is that it offers richer color shading, brighter highlights, and deeper contrast. With Chromrcast Ultra, you can throw content from your Chrome browser to the big screen.

Things to Consider Before Buying Google Chromecast

Are you considering buying a Chromecast? There are certain things you need to know about Chromecast to guide you in your decision. Just like other media streaming products, there are different types of Google Chromecast available that you can select from. The regular Chromecast is ideal for folks who do not have a 4K television or won’t be streaming any 4K content. This is because Chromecast Ultra, for example, offers high-end features that non-4K TV owners do not need and cannot use. Chromecast Ultra requires a strong network speed to stream at that high quality. Unlike the “regular” Chromecast, it will cost you a few extra dollars. Below is everything you need to know about all the Google Chromecast types – Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio.

What is a Chromecast Ultra?

Most people love Chromecast Ultra because it is easy to use and very affordable media streamer that has a lot of capabilities. The $69 Chromecast Ultra has the ability to broadcast content up to 4K resolutions with HDR color technology. It is a perfect device for those who have a 4K or HDR TV and want to stream at a high quality. Even if want to upgrade your TV soon, Chromecast Ultra is also for you. This is because it has solid hardware that supports fast and stable streaming of HDR content. Chromecast Ultra comes with an in-built Ethernet port for your broadband connection. It requires an external power source rather than a USB connection built into your TV. With Chromecast Ultra, you will not experience buffering or skipping media when you are streaming content.

What is “regular” Chromecast?

Chromecast is a small device that plays back video and audio which you can plug into your TV’s HDMI port or AV receiver. It is usually powered by a USB cable. With a smartphone or computer as a remote control, you can use Chromecast to access video content from YouTube, AllCast, ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, the Google Play Store, and other services. Such streaming does not go through your phone. This conserves your data usage and saves the battery life of your phone because it makes a connection with the content source and streams directly to your TV. The $35 Chromecast gives you the opportunity to stream local contents such as pictures or video you took yourself from the Chrome browser on a computer.

What is Chromecast Audio?

Chromecast audio is a Chromecast device that is built for audio only. It plugs into speakers to stream music over Wi-Fi and works perfectly well with Spotify, Pandora and Google Play Music. You can control it with your computers, or Android and iOS devices. It makes the entire house audio system very compact and simple. Chromecast audio costs about $35 USD too.

How Do I Set Up Chromecast on My TV?

It is very easy to set up. Plug the Chromecast device into the HDMI port of your TV, connect the USB to a power source, have a smartphone or computer at your disposal, and follow the instructions on your users manual. Once Chromecast and your controller device connect to the same Wi-Fi, the installation wizard will walk you through the rest of the setup process. You can check out our Guide on how to set up Chromecast on your TV.

What Do I Need to Set Up Chromecast on My TV Successfully?

To set up Chromecast successfully, you will require a Chromecast dongle. That is, you will need an HDTV with a spare HDMI port, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and a computer or smartphone. The Chromecast stick comes with a USB cable for power and a power adapter. TVs that have USB ports will allow you to plug the power cable right in. You can use a wall adapter if your TV does not have such a facility. With smartphones or tablets running Android or iOS, or computers running the Windows or Mac OS X operating systems, you can control your Chromecast device.

What is the Cost of a Chromecast Device?

The cost of a regular 1080p Chromecast model is about $35 USD whereas the 4K Chromecast Ultra model costs $69 USD. The inexpensive price viz-a-vis features make a Chromecast the best way to stream the media you enjoy watching.

How Does Chromecast Work?

Typically, Chromecast is a video and audio transmitter existing between your TV and your content service provider. It is just like an antenna or a cable box. Media content providers such as Netflix, AllCast, ESPN+ Pandora, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, Spotify, Google Play music, or YouTube TV broadcast content to your Chromecast, which in turn cast the videos on your TV. You can check out our article on how to set up Chromecast on smartphones.

Romanus Eke is an AWS Certified Solutions Architect with a keen interest in cloud computing, web development, special networks, server administration, automation, telecommunications, payment services bank (PSB) and applications development. He has over nine years of IT experience and has built many E2E solutions for clients. As a blogger and an ISTE Award Winner, he has published over 800 articles. He likes technology and spends most of his leisure time writing about technology-based 'self-help' articles. Romanus holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelors Degree in Electrical/Electronic & Computer Engineering.
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